FOX Corporation has implemented a Hot Work Permit system for its operations. Because of the personal safety and fire hazard issues associated with
this work, all welding, torch cutting or similar operations must meet the requirements of this Procedure.
1.0 SCOPE
FOX Corporation (FOX) requires a Hot Work Permit system for all industrial activities (excluding filming and special effects activities) which
involve the use of an open flame or other ignition source. Operation of welding, torch cutting or similar equipment must meet specific requirements
established below. Exemptions from these requirements must be obtained from FOX’s Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS) Department prior to
implementation. The EHS Department can suspend any work operation where unapproved deviations from these requirements are observed, or where an
imminent hazard to life or property is identified.
2.0 Definitions
Hot Work:
A work activity that by the nature of the operation creates an open source of ignition (e.g., burning, electric or oxyfuel cutting/welding, etc.). This
does not include the use of pyrotechnics or other special effects directly associated with film production activities.
Hot Work Permit:
Document issued prior to the start of any hot work activity, which is used to verify the presence of appropriate fire prevention and protection
measures.
3.0 Responsibilities and Distribution
3.1.1 Environmental, Health and Safety Department
The EH&S Department will:
- Develop appropriate standards for hot work operations in all activities.
- Review and update this Procedure as necessary to comply with regulatory changes.
3.1.2 Division Heads
Division Heads will ensure that individual departments performing hot work activities are provided with sufficient funds to adequately support the
activities.
3.1.3 Department Heads
Department Heads will be responsible for:
- Approving ALL hot work operations (via approval of all Hot Work Permits – see Section 4.6), or appointing a designated person in their
Department responsible for this function. - Retaining copies of all Hot Work Permits for at least one year after their closure.
3.1.4 Employees
All Fox employees will observe the requirements specified in this Procedure for the performance of hot work activities.
4.0 Procedure
These requirements pertain to the performance of hot work in all Fox workplace settings.
4.1 General Requirements
1. Equipment will be used only for operations for which it is approved, and as recommended by the manufacturer.
2. Workers assigned to operate or maintain oxygen/fuel-gas supply equipment and electric welding equipment will be thoroughly instructed in the safe
use of such equipment by a qualified person.
3. Engineering controls will be implemented to control hot work hazards to the extent feasible.
4. Before any cutting or welding is performed, the area will be inspected by the supervisor responsible for authorizing the hot work. When appropriate,
a written Hot Work Permit (Attachment 1) will also be completed to designate specific approvals needed and precautions to be taken.
4.1.1 Gas Welding and Cutting Safety
1. Fuel-gas hoses and oxygen hoses will be easily distinguishable from each other. The contrast will be made by different colors or by surface
characteristics readily distinguishable by touch. Oxygen and fuel-gas hoses will not be interchangeable. A single hose having more than one gas passage
will not be used.
2. When parallel sections of oxygen and fuel-gas hose are taped together, not more than 4 inches out of 12 inches will be covered by tape.
3. All hoses in use will be inspected at the beginning of each work shift. Defective hose will be removed from service.
4. Hoses, cables, and other equipment will be kept clear of walkways, ladders, and stairs.
5. Clogged torch tip openings will be cleaned with approved cleaning wires, drills, or other devices designed for this purpose.
6. Torches to be used will be inspected at the beginning of each work shift for leaking shutoff valves, damaged hose couplings, and clogged tip
connection. Defective torches will not be used.
7. Torches will be ignited by friction lighters or other approved devices only. Matches, flame lighters, or hot work will not be used to ignite a
torch.
8. Oxygen and fuel-gas pressure regulators, including related gauges, will be in proper working order and equipped with “Flashback” arrestors attached
to the gauges. NOTE: Flashback arresters are required in addition to “Backflow” devices.
9. All oxygen cylinders and fittings will be kept away from oil or grease. Cylinders, cylinder caps and valves, couplings, regulators, hose, and
apparatus will be kept free from oil or greasy substances and will not be handled with oily hands or gloves. Oxygen will not be directed at oily
surfaces or greasy clothes, or used within a fuel oil or other storage tank or vessel.
10. Torches and hoses will be completely depressurized (bled) of pressurized gas prior to storage, and at the end of each shift.
11. Torches and hoses will not be stored in enclosed areas (e.g., gang boxes, lockers) while connected to cylinders, and gauges will be removed at the
end of every shift.
4.1.2 Arc Welding and Cutting Safety
1. All arc welding/cutting cables will be completely insulated and flexible, capable of handling the maximum current requirements of the work.
2. Any current-carrying parts passing through the holder which the arc welder or cutter grips in his/her hand, or the outer surfaces of the jaws of the
holder, will be fully insulated against the maximum voltage encountered to ground.
3. Only cables free from repair or splices for a minimum distance of 10 feet from the electrode holder will be used. Cables with standard insulated
connectors or splices with insulating quality that is equal to that of the cable are permitted.
4. If it is necessary to splice lengths of cable, insulated connectors equivalent to that of the cable will be used. If connections are made by cable
lugs, they will be securely fastened together and provide a good electrical contact. Exposed metal parts of the lugs will be completely insulated.
5. If electrode holders are left unattended, the electrodes will be removed and the holder placed so that they cannot make electrical contact with
employees or conducting objects.
6. To avoid the possibility of electric shock, electrode holders will not be dipped in water.
7. When the arc welder or cutter leaves work, stops work for any length of time, or when the arc welding cutting machine is to be moved, the power
supply to the equipment will be turned off.
8. Any faulty or defective equipment will be reported to the supervisor and tagged out of service until repaired.
9. All arc welding/cutting operations will be shielded by noncombustible or flameproof screens or opaque objects on all sides, to protect employees and
other persons working in the vicinity from the direct ray of the arc.
4.2 Storage and Handling of Compressed Gas Cylinders
1. Compressed gas cylinders will be legibly marked with either the chemical or trade name of the gas. Such markings will be stenciled, stamped, or
labeled on the shoulder of the cylinder and will not be easily removable.
2. Compressed gas cylinders will be equipped with approved connections.
3. Cylinders will not be stored near highly combustible/flammable materials, especially oil or grease.
4. Cylinders will be stored in an upright and secure position with caps installed and separated from fuel-gas cylinders or combustible materials
(especially oil or grease), by a minimum distance of 20 feet, or by a noncombustible barrier at least 5 feet high and having a fire resistance rating
of at least one half hour.
5. Cylinders will be not dropped, thrown, struck by objects, or permitted to strike each other violently.
6. Cylinder valves will be closed and gauges removed before moving cylinders, and at the end of the shift or when work is finished.
7. Valves of empty cylinders will be closed.
8. Cylinders will be kept far enough away from the actual welding/cutting operation so that sparks, hot slag, or flames will not reach them.
9. Cylinder valves will always be opened slowly.
10. Acetylene cylinders will be stored and used valve end up. On acetylene cylinders the valve will not be opened more than one and one-half turns of
the valve stem, and preferably no more than three-fourths of a turn.
11. Oxygen cylinders will not be used to provide: ventilation/fresh air, comfort cooling, compressed air for blowing dust from clothing or for cleaning
the work area.
12. Where a special wrench is required to operate a cylinder valve, it will be left in position on the stem of the valve while the cylinder is in use.
In the case of manifolded or coupled cylinders, at least one such wrench will be available for immediate use.
13. Regulators will be removed, valve caps in place, and valves closed when cylinders are transported by vehicles. All vehicles used to transport
cylinders will have a proper support rack installed.
14. A suitable cylinder truck, chain, or other steadying device will be used to prevent cylinders from being knocked over while in use or storage.
15. Cylinders will not be placed where they may become part of an electric circuit. Tapping of an electrode against a cylinder to strike an arc will be
prohibited.
16. Manifolding of Cylinders
– All manifolding of cylinders will comply with the following:
a. Cylinder manifolds will be installed under the supervision of an experienced person(s) and must comply with proper practices in construction and
use.
b. All manifolds and parts will be appropriate for the gases for which they are approved.
c. When acetylene cylinders are manifolded, approved flashback arresters will be installed between each cylinder and the coupler block. One flash
arrestor installed between the coupler block and regulator is acceptable only for outdoor use or if the number of cylinders coupled does not exceed
three.
d. Each cylinder lead will be provided with a backflow check valve.
4.3 Personal Protective Equipment
Selection and use of personal protective equipment will comply with requirements in EHS 301, Personal Protective Equipment.
4.3.1 Eye and Face Protection
Eye and face protection will comply with the following:
1. Welding helmets and hand shields will be used during all arc welding/cutting operations, excluding submerged arc welding. Cutting/welding goggles
will also be worn during arc welding/cutting operations. The goggles or glasses may be either clear or colored glass, depending on the type of exposure
in welding operations. Helpers, attendants and other personnel present inside the shielded enclosure will wear proper eye protection.
2. Safety goggles or other approved eye/face protection are for use during gas welding operations on light work, torch brazing, or inspection.
3. All operators and attendants on resistance welding or brazing equipment will use face shields or goggles, depending on the particular job.
4.3.2 Protective Clothing
Hot work will require the following protective clothing:
1. Except when engaged in light work, all welders will wear flameproof gauntlet gloves.
2. Flameproof aprons made of leather, or other suitable material, may also be desirable for protection against radiated heat and sparks.
3. Woolen clothing will be worn in preference to cotton because it is not so readily ignited. Nylon clothing is not permitted for welding/cutting
operations. All outer clothing, such as jumpers or overalls, will be reasonably free from oil or grease.
4.3.3 Respiratory Protection
Respiratory protective equipment will comply with the following:
1. Respiratory protective devices will be required when one or more of the following conditions exist:
a. Feasible engineering controls are insufficient to mitigate the hazards.
b. Room size (with special regard to ceiling height) is limited, or welding/cutting work is extensive and ventilation is limited.
c. Several welders are working in the area at the same time.
d. Potentially unsafe atmospheric conditions exist.
e. Too much heat is generated.
f. Hazardous fumes, gases, or dusts of toxic metals (particularly lead, cadmium, chromium, beryllium, or zinc) are present in the base metal or in
coatings.
2. Respiratory protective equipment will be selected, used, and maintained in accordance with EHS 302, Respiratory Protection.
4.4 Mechanical Ventilation
1. Mechanical ventilation will consist of either general dilution systems or local exhaust systems. Local exhaust systems are preferred.
2. General mechanical ventilation will be of sufficient capacity and so arranged as to produce the number of air changes necessary to maintain welding
fume and smoke within safe limits.
3. General ventilation may not be used as the only means of control when toxic metals are involved in the operation.
4. Local exhaust ventilation will consist of freely movable hoods intended to be placed by the welder or burner as close as practicable to the work.
This system will be of sufficient capacity and so arranged as to remove fumes and smoke at the source and keep the concentration of them in the
breathing zone within safe limits.
5. Contaminated air exhausted from a working space will be discharged into the open air or otherwise clear of the source of intake air. Environmental
regulations may require filtering or other cleaning of exhausted air.
6. All makeup air will be clean and suitable for breathing.
4.5 Fire Protection
1. When possible, objects to be welded, cut, or heated will be moved to a designated safe location. If this is not possible, all movable fire hazards
in the workspace will be taken away to a safe place.
2. If the object to be welded, cut, or heated cannot be moved and all fire hazards cannot be removed (e.g., equipment, walls, floors, etc.), positive
means will be taken to confine the heat, sparks, and slag to protect the immovable fire hazards as well as opposite sides.
3. No welding, cutting, or heating will be done where the application of flammable paint, the presence of other flammable compounds, or heavy dust
concentrations create a possible hazard.
4. When working from an elevated location or wherever there are openings or cracks in the flooring that cannot be closed, precautions will be taken so
that no sparks will drop to a lower level. The same precautions will be taken in the presence of cracks or holes in walls, open doorways, and open or
broken windows.
5. Approved fire extinguishing equipment will be present in the immediate work area.
6. Fire Watch
– A fire watch will established whenever hot work is performed indoors, or in outdoor areas where all combustible materials cannot be removed to a
distance of 35 feet or more from the hot work location.
a. The person assigned as firewatcher shall have no other duties.
b. Firewatchers will be familiar with facilities and procedures in the event of a fire. They will watch for fires in all exposed areas and attempt to
extinguish them only when obviously within the capacity of the equipment available. The local Fire Department will be immediately notified of all
fires.
c. Firewatchers will have fire-extinguishing equipment readily available and be trained in its use.
d. A fire watch will be maintained for at least 30 minutes after completion of welding/cutting operations, so that any smoldering fires can be detected
and extinguished.
4.6 Hot Work Permits
A Hot Work permit is required for any welding, torch cutting or similar operation where there is the potential for fire.
- The welder or work supervisor shall complete a Hot Work Permit form (Attachment 1). The permit shall document the work operation(s) to be
performed, the location of the work, and all safety procedures to be employed (e.g., fire watch) - The Permit shall be approved by the Department Manager or designated alternate.
- The Permit shall be posted in the work area for the duration of all activities addressed by the Permit.
- At the completion of all work activities addressed by the Permit, or at the end of the work shift, the Permit shall be closed and returned to the
Department Manger or designate alternate for filing. - Closed permits shall be retained for at least one year.
Each Permit shall be valid for a period not to exceed a single working shift. If work will continue into a new shift, or will be resumed on the next
working day, a new Permit will be required (including approval by the Department Manager).
5.0 REFERENCES
EHS 301, Personal Protective Equipment
EHS 302, Respiratory Protection
6.0 ATTACHMENTS
Attachment 1 – Hot Work Permit
HOT WORK PERMIT
Department: | Good for this date only: |
Specific work location: | |
Work to be done: |
Tests (if required)
State exact location of test | Time | % LEL | % O2 | Other | Other | Other |
Checklist
Initial | ||
Yes | Does not apply | |
Client representative has been informed of the work to be done | ||
Operations/plant personnel have been informed of the work to be done | ||
All tanks/lines/valves are disconnected, blinded, or locked out | ||
Equipment and all attached piping has been cleaned and purged with:
water , steam , inert gas , or air |
||
Electrical service has been locked out and tagged | ||
All grounding and bonding wires are in place | ||
Surrounding equipment and operations are safe for hot work | ||
No open vessels or lines are within 35 feet of hot work area | ||
Fire watch has been provided by contractor |
Personal Protective Equipment
EYES |
BODY |
EXTREMITIES |
RESPIRATORY |
EQUIPMENT |
¨ Chemical goggles | ¨ Tyvek® | ¨ Gloves | ¨ APR, cart. | ¨ Fire extinguisher |
¨ Face shield | ¨ Tychem® QC | ¨ Hard hat | ¨ Airline | ¨ Fire blanket |
¨ Safety glasses | ¨ Rain gear | ¨ Boots | ¨ SCBA | ¨ Charged water hose |
¨ Welder’s mask | ¨ Coveralls | ¨ Other | ¨ PAPR | ¨ Combustible gas indicator |
Special Instructions
Completed by: Approved by: